The president said one of the most important topics presently for Taiwan is its desire to participate in the World Health Organization. He said he hopes the guests and the Korean government will take note of this issue and provide support to Taiwan. The president also said that the founding mission of the WHO is for all people throughout the world to enjoy the basic human right to health, adding that the right to health and the collective rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan should not be neglected and denied.
President Chen said some people have suggested that prior to becoming an observer at the World Health Assembly, Taiwan should first seek meaningful participation in the organization. He said he appreciates this suggestion, but noted that in May 2005, China and the WHO signed the so-called "secret memorandum of understanding." According to this agreement, the application of any Taiwan scholars or experts who seek to participate in any technical meetings held by the WHO must first be approved by China's Ministry of Health before they can attend. In addition, should they be allowed to attend such meetings, they are not allowed to serve as representatives of their country, rather only in a personal capacity. Furthermore, any government officials seeking to participate in such meetings must be department chiefs or below and can attend only under the name "China Taiwan." The president said that this agreement belittles Taiwan and is a serious insult to the right to health of the 23 million people of Taiwan. The president said the annual meeting of the WHA will soon be held. He said that Mr. Kim, as chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Health and Welfare, is extremely familiar with health-related topics. He expressed his hope that Mr. Kim will provide Taiwan support in its efforts to participate in the WHO.
The president also expressed his gratitude to the visitors, who have been staunch supporters of Taiwan and have long made contributions to the building of substantive and friendly ties between the two nations. He thanked the visitors for the efforts in paving the way for the restoration of aviation ties between the two countries, the granting of visa-free courtesies to tourists of both nations, and the establishment of a Taiwan representative office in Pusan. The president noted the frequent visits by the people of each country to the other. Last year, over 600,000 visits were made by people of the two countries. Of this, Taiwan residents made 400,000 visits to South Korea, double the number of South Koreans coming to Taiwan. He said that he hopes further growth will be seen in this area based on the existing foundation. Meanwhile, bilateral trade last year reached US$22.15 billion, with South Korea enjoying a US$7.85 billion trade surplus with Taiwan. South Korea is Taiwan's fourth largest trading partner, fourth largest source of imports and fifth largest export market. In addition, among all of its trading partners, South Korea accounts for Taiwan's third largest trade deficit. The president said that there is a need for the two countries to carry out further talks on the possibility of inking a free trade agreement. Such an agreement would be in the best interests of the two countries, he added.